Anti-gay singer Buju Banton arrested on drug charges
The Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is in custody pending charges of drug offences.
The singer, who has been condemned for lyrics calling for gays to be killed, was arrested in Miami on Thursday.
According to reports, he will be transferred to Tampa and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
In 2004, he was convicted of a minor drug offence in Jamaica and was banned from entering the US for 12 months.
Banton was nominated for his fourth Grammy Award earlier this month.
He was nominated for Best Reggae Album for Rasta Got Soul and will compete against Sean Paul, Gregory Issacs and sons of Bob Marley Julian and Stephen Marley.
Gay rights organisations such as the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Centre and Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation attacked the honour, citing his record of homophobia.
